Mohammad Nazim Uddin: The makers will have full creative freedom

When were you contacted about the project?

Around last November or December. I liked their pitch. Meanwhile, another novel of mine, Rabindranath Ekhane Kokhono Khete Ashe ni, was also being developed into a web-series in Kolkata. So it didn’t take me long to agree to the project. 

Will you contribute to the script? 

No. I will have no involvement in that. The makers will have full creative freedom to change a few things. I have been informed about the changes when they sent me the proposal. And I am fully okay with their take on my novel since adapting entails some inevitable changes. 

Will the makers introduce new twists in the story?

I think so. There will be surprises even for someone who has already read Contract. There will be some new elements for everyone, really. 

Chanchal Chowdhury in 'Contract' | Screenshot from Zee5's YouTube Channel

Contract is a 352-page novel. It must be difficult to turn this into a series. 

Yes, and that is why, there will be a second season of the web series. The makers have decided to divide the book into two seasons. 

Contract is also part of a series. Will we see more of these books on screen?

That was part of the deal I signed. ZEE5 will get priority when it comes to adapting my other novels.

Also read: Chanchal, Shuvoo star in web-series adaptation of Nazim Uddin's thriller 'Contract'

When you started writing, did you ever think one day your books will be adapted on the big screens? 

Never. It was unthinkable. I did not even think I could make it as a writer. Back then, no one was writing thrillers in the country. People would come up to me and discourage me. They will say, "no one made it, how can you?" Some suggested turning towards romance novels or novels dealing with social themes. But I wanted to persist, and that's what I did. 

Will your writing process be influenced by the fact that your novels are now being adapted into these series by global streaming platforms?

No. That will be really self-destructive for any writer. Besides, I am not writing for any streaming platforms. I am writing for my audience. As long as they read my books and like my work, I will be content. 

You said, back in the day when you started, no one else was writing thrillers. Has the situation changed?

Yes, remarkably so. We have always had an audience for this genre, who were swallowing up the translations of foreign thrillers. Now I feel really optimistic when I look at my fellow writers who are writing original thrillers. They are writing in every sub-genre of thriller and have created their own fan base. In two or three years, I believe, these writers will find even more success. 

Are you writing anything new?

Yes, two of my books will be released in the upcoming Boi Mela, one of them is the sixth sequel of the Beg Bastard Series.